7077-R2_NewGloucester_2019_AnnualReport_Web

224th Annual Report

New Gloucester Maine

July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019

Town Facilities

TOWN HALL HOURS

Monday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Tel. (207) 926-4126 Fax (207) 926-4136 385 Intervale Road Website: www.newgloucester.com LIBRARY HOURS Tuesday - Thursday 9:00 am – 12:00 & 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 & 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tel. (207) 926-4840 379 Intervale Road Email: srhawkins@newgloucesterlibrary.org FIRE STATION HOURS Tel. (207) 926-4142 Fax (207) 926-4424 611 Lewiston Road chief@newgloucester.com PUBLIC WORKS WINTER HOURS 6:30 am – 10:30 am PUBLIC WORKS SUMMER HOURS 8:00 am – 4:00 pm 6:30 am – 4:00 pm

Monday – Friday Saturday/Sunday

9:00 am – 11:00 am (if Personnel available)

Monday – Thursday

Friday

Monday – Thursday

6:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tel. (207) 926-4574 611A Lewiston Road tshane@newgloucester.com TRANSFER STATION HOURS Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tel. (207) 926-3145 264 Bald Hill Road transferstation@newgloucester.com

July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 New Gloucester Grant made in 1736 • Settled in 1740 and 1750 Town Government Established in 1744 Town Manager Form of Government Adopted 1949

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1

Dedication

2-3 4-6

Town Officers/Departments State Representatives

7-13

Boards/Committees Town Clerk Report

14-19

20 21 22 23

Town Manager – Letter of Transmittal

Report of Assessing

Report of Code Enforcement Office Report of Fire/Rescue Department

24-25 26-28 29-30 31-32

Report of Library

Report of the Parks & Recreation

Report of Planning

Report of the Transfer Station

33

Report of Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp Report of the Cable TV Committee Report of the Cemetery Association Report of the Community Fair Association

34-39

40

41-42

43

Report of the Environmental Resources Committee

44 45 46

Report of the Royal River Riders Report of the NG Water District Independent Auditor’s Report

47-60 61-64 65-68 69-71 72-89 90-93

Treasurer’s Report

Tax Liens and Unpaid Taxes

Interagency Reports

Town Meeting Minutes 5/6/2019

Special Town Meeting Minutes 6/19/2019 2016 Sabbathday Lake Water Quality Report

94-107

1

Dedication of the Town Report JEFFREY HAMILTON, SR.

This year’s annual report is dedicated to Jeffrey Hamilton, Sr. “Jeff” is a 41 year resident and has helped shape our community in many ways. He and his family have not only given years of service to the Town of New Gloucester, but also countless hours of donated time and resources to local projects. He has owned and operated his family business in New Gloucester, KC Hamilton & Sons, Inc., for over 21 years. Jeff is known throughout the community as a man of dedication, generosity, compassion, thoughtfulness, hard work, humility, family, and loyalty. His dedication to the town is evident in many ways, including his time served on the New Gloucester Fire and Rescue Department. Jeff is a Lifetime Member of the New Gloucester Fire and Rescue Department and has served our community as a Firefighter for 25 years. Jeffrey Hamilton, Sr., has served as an elected official, as a member of the Board of Selectmen and on multiple committees. Jeff’s committee work includes Budget Committee from 2013 to present, Board of Appeals from 2014 to 2018, ADHOC Public Works Building Committee, and the New Gloucester Veteran Monument Committee. He has donated his time to many events such as the New Gloucester Community Fair. Jeff is a vocal member of the committees that he serves and is always thoughtful and steadfast. He is able to use his experience both personally and professionally to help support the charges of the committees. It is obvious that sense of community is important to Jeff. Throughout the years he has not only served on the project committees but has also demonstrated the execution and hard work to see the projects through. Jeff has not only supported these projects through vision but has provided supplies and manpower, including for the pavilion and playground at the NewGloucester Fair Grounds, the playground at the Memorial School, and the Veterans Monument. Jeffrey Hamilton, Sr., continues to not only support the town but also is a dedicated member of the Sons of AMVETS. The Sons of AMVETS is a nationwide organization comprised of American veterans who are members of the AMVETS. The Sons play an active role in promoting legislative agendas, providing services to hospitalized veterans and supporting charitable initiatives. He has been a Sons of AMVETS member for 15 years and currently is the Commander of the Sons. He will be attending the Honor Flight to Washington in May with another member. Jeff has also been a member of the Sons of AMVETS Color Guard for 10 years. He is always involved with events at the Sons of AMVETS, including the monthly bean suppers where he prepares and serves his famous coleslaw. Among all of Jeff’s accomplishments, he’s above all most proud of being a loving husband to his childhood sweetheart, Joyce Hamilton of 41 years, proud father of Jeffrey Hamilton Jr and Rebecca Mercier and a doting grandfather of Thomas Hamilton and his grand kittens. Jeff’s commitment to family and community also shines through the acts of his family who have donated many years of service to our community.

2

It is with great honor that the New Gloucester Board of Selectmen recognizes Jeffrey Hamilton, Sr., for this dedication and would like to whole heartedly thank him for all of his years of generosity, commitment, service, and love for our community.

3

ANNUAL REPORT

TOWN OFFICERS – JULY 2018 to JUNE 2019

****************************************************************************

SELECTMEN, ASSESSORS, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR Linda D. Chase Term Expires June 2021 Lenora R. Conger Term Expires June 2019 Joseph S. Davis Term Expires June 2020 Karen Gilles Term Expires June 2021 Steven M. Libby Term Expires June 2019

TOWN MANAGER, ROAD COMMISSIONER, TAX COLLECTOR, TOWN CLERK, TREASURER, WELFARE ADMINISTRATOR Carrie Castonguay

DEPUTY TREASURER LoriAnne Wilson

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, ASSISTANT TREASURER DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR ACTING TOWN MANAGER Sharlene F. Myers

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR Kimberly A. Getchell

4

ANNUAL REPORT

ASSESSORS’ AGENT Michael O’Donnell (John O’Donnell and Associates)

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, HEALTH OFFICER, PLUMBING INSPECTOR Debra Parks Larrivee

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR Timothy K. Joy

FENCE VIEWER Douglas P. Bowie

FIRE/RESCUE CHIEF, FOREST FIRE WARDEN James Ladewig (resigned November, 2018) Sherm Lahaie, Interim Fire Rescue Chief (until February 2019) Toby Martin (commenced February 2019)

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF Roger P. Levasseur (resigned May, 2019)

DEPUTY RESCUE CHIEF Mary Rich

5

ANNUAL REPORT

LIBRARIAN Suzan R. Hawkins

ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN Carla M. McAllister

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Theodore Shane

TOWN PLANNER Scott Hastings

6

ANNUAL REPORT

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 20 Ned Claxton

State Address: Senate Chamber

Home Address: 72 Danbury Drive Auburn, ME 04210 Tel. (207) 576-8082

3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003

Tel. (207) 287-1515 Fax (207) 287-1900 TTY (207) 287-1583 Toll Free (800) 423-6900 Email: Ned.Claxton@legislature.maine.com Website: www.mainesenate.org

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 65 Amy Bradstreet Arata

State Address:

Home Address:

House of Representatives Room 332, State House 2 State House Station

PO Box 2

New Gloucester, ME 04260

Tel. (207) 333-1817

Augusta, ME 04333-0002 Tel. (207) 287-1440 State House Message Phone: (800) 423-2900 TTY (207) 287-4469 Toll Free (800) 423-2900 E-Mail: Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov House Website: www.legislature.maine.gov/house

7

Senator Ned Claxton 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003 (207)287-1515

129th Legislature Senate of Maine Senate District 20

Dear Friends and Residents of New Gloucester, It is a true honor to represent you in the Maine Senate. When I was elected, I wanted to put party politics aside and make meaningful change for the people of Maine. As I reflect on my first year as your State Senator, I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish in Augusta. The tone was set from the start by Senate President Troy Jackson, who broke tradition and chose to seat Republicans and Democrats side-by-side in the Senate Chamber, instead of being divided by a partisan aisle. This small but significant gesture kick-started the process of finding common ground to solve the issues that affect everyday Mainers. My seatmate, Marianne Moore, a Republican from Calais, became one of my closest friends in the State House. Through our discussions, my perspective and understanding of certain issues grew, and our friendship only helped to further break down partisan divides. Together, Democrats and Republicans passed a bipartisan budget which provides $130 million in property tax relief, $111 million in funding for K-12 education, and works to restore revenue sharing to municipalities, all without raising taxes. We unanimously passed a package of four bills to lower the cost of prescription medication, one of the biggest challenges Mainers are facing today. We also worked to increase access to high-quality, affordable health care, and prevented insurance companies from discriminating against Mainers with preexisting conditions. Although we don’t always agree on all the issues, I have made it a priority to keep my ears open and to have civil, thoughtful discussions with all my colleagues regardless of party. I have also prioritized making myself available to all of my constituents. I regularly hold office hours in the community, and my phone line is always open. If you’d like to share an idea, opinion, or just want to make your voice heard, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I can be reached by phone at (207) 287-1515, or by email at Ned.Claxton@legislature.maine.gov. I am able to do my best work in Augusta when folks like you share your thoughts with me regularly. Sincerely,

Ned Claxton State Senator

Fax: (207) 287-1585 * TTY (207) 287-1583 * Message Service 1-800-423-6900 * Website: legislature.maine.gov/senate

8

H OUSE OF R EPRESENTATIVES 2 S TATE H OUSE S TATION A UGUSTA , M AINE 04333-0002 (207) 287-1440 TTY: (207) 287-4469 H OUSE OF R EPRESENTATIVES 2 S TATE H OUS S TA ION A UGUSTA , M AINE 04333-0002 (207) 287-1440 TTY: (207) 287-4469 H OUSE OF R EPRESENTATIVES 2 S TATE H OUSE S TATION A UGUSTA , M AINE 04333-0002 (207) 287-1440 TTY: (207) 287-4469

Amy B. Arata P.O. Box 2, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Residence: (207) 333-1817 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov Dear Friends & Neighbors: Amy B. Arata P.O. Box 2, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Residence: (207) 333-1817 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov Amy B. Arata P.O. Box 2, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Residence: (207) 333-1817 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov

March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020 I write this on the eve of adjournment frommy first term as a member of Maine’s House of Representatives. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratefulness to the good people of New Gloucester for allowing me to be your voice in Augusta. At the onset of the Legislature’s First Regular Session, my colleagues and I were optimistic about 2019, maintaining an open mind with a thoughtful and caring appr ach. Our state was positioned well economically, with record-low unemployment, record-high State revenues, and a record-high numb r of jobs. Now we face unprecedented un rtainty, not knowing h w long we must deal with the crisis caused by Covid-19 or how great an impact it will have on our economy. Please know that your legislature is hard at work to make this as easy for you as possible. As I write this from the State House, we are preparing a bipartisan emergency supplemental budget that will keep governme t running while addressing the extraordinary challenges we are facing due to this pandemic. The unique privilege and responsibility of appointment to three committees was bestowed upon me. I was appointed to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA), the Co mittee on Taxation, and the bipartisan Government Oversight Committee (GOC). The GOC is unique in that it consists of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. It is charged with ensuring that public funds are expended for intended purposes, and that programs and activities are effectively, efficiently, and economically managed. In my assignment as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, I have enjoyed familiarizing myself with the State’s General Fund appropriations and fiscal policy. The adopted budget resulted in an 11% increase to $8 Billion. I could not vote for this budget because my priorities were to create a robust Rainy Day Fund for emergencies while addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, maintaining our infrastructure and schools, and keeping taxes down. Unfortunately, we are now experiencing exactly why a Rainy Day Fund is necessary. The days ahead may be difficult, but I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and work hard with my colleagues across the aisle to get us through this. As your representative, I encourage you to take an active interest in the events unfolding under the State House dome. You can monitor committee proceedings and floor debate in the House and Senate via the Web, http://legislature.maine.gov/, while my regular e-newsletter contains beneficial administrative insight and public service announcements. If you have not yet signed up to receive this publication, please send me your e-mail address. Again, the faith and trust you have placed in me to serve you at the capitol is appreciated. I always enjoy hearing from you and want to help you in any way I can. As Mainers, we are strong and will get through this together! Dear Friends & Neighbors: I write this on the eve of adjournment from my first term as a member of Maine’s House of Representatives. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratefulness to the good people of Ne Gloucester for allowing me to be your voice in Augusta. At the nset of the Legislature’s First Regular Session, my colleagues and I were optimistic about 2019, maintaining an open mind with a thoughtful and caring approach. Our st te was positioned well ec nomically, with record-low unemployment, reco d-high St e revenues, and a record-high number of jobs. Now we face unprecedented uncertainty, not knowing how lo we must deal with the crisis caused by Covid-19 or how great an impact it will have on our economy. Please know h t your legislature i hard at work to make this as easy for you as possible. As I write this from the State House, we are preparing a bipartisan emergency supplemental budget that will keep government running while addres ng he extraordinary challenges we are facing due t this pandemic. The unique privilege and r sponsibility of appointment to three commi t es was bestowed upon me. I was appointed to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA), the Committee on T xation, and the bipartisan Gov rnm t Overs ght Committee (GOC). The GOC is unique in that it consists of an qual number of Democrats and Republicans. It is charged with ensuring that public funds are expended for intended purposes, and that programs and activities are effectively, efficiently, and economically managed. In my assignment as a ember of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, I have enjoyed familiarizing myself with the State’s G neral Fund appropriatio s and fiscal policy. Th dopted budget resulted n an 11% increase to $8 Billion. I could not vote for this budget because my priorities were to create a robust Rainy Day Fund for emergencies while addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, maintaining our infrastructure and schools, and keeping taxes down. Unfortunat ly, we are now experiencing exactly why a Rainy Day Fund is necessa y. The days ahead may be difficult, but I a prepared to roll up my eeves and work ard with my colleagues across the aisle to get us through this. As your representative, I encourage you to take an active interest in the events unfolding under the State House dome. You can monitor committee proceedings and floor debate in the House and Senate via the Web, http://legislature.maine.gov/, while my regular e-newsletter contains beneficial administrative insight and public service a nounce ents. If you have not yet signed up to receive this publication, please send me your e-mail address. Again, the faith and trust you have placed in me to serve you at the capitol is appreciated. I always enjoy hearing from you and want to help you in any way I can. As Mainers, we are strong and will get through this together! Sincerely, Dear Friends & Neighbors: I write this on the eve of adjournme t from my first term as a member of Maine’s House of Representatives. I want to take this opportunity to ex ress my grat fuln ss to the good people of New Glouc ster for allowing me t be your voice in Augusta. At the nset f the Legislature’s First Regular S ssion, my colleagues and I were optimistic about 2019, maintaining an open mind with a th ghtful and caring approach. Our state was positioned well economically, ith record-low unemployment, recor -high State revenues, and a record-high nu ber of jobs. Now e face unpreced ted u certainty, not knowing h w long we must deal with the crisis cau ed by C vid-19 or how great an impact it will h ve on our econ my. Pl a know that your legislature is hard t work to make this as easy for you as possible. As I write this from the State House, we are preparing a bipartisan emergency supplem nta budget that will keep government running whil addressing t e ex r ordinary challenges we are facing due to this pandemic. The unique privilege and responsibility of appoin ment to three comm ttees w s bestowed upon me. I was appointed to the Joint Standing Commit e on Appropriations and Financial Affair (AFA), the Committee on Taxation, nd the bipartisan Government Oversight Com it e (GOC). The GOC is unique in that it consists of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. It is charged with ensuring that public funds are expended for intended purposes, and that programs and activities a effect vely, efficiently, and economically managed. In my assignment as a member of the Joint Standing Committee o Appropriations and Financial Affairs, I have enjoyed familiarizing my elf with the State’s General Fund appropriations and fiscal policy. The adopted budget esulted in an 11% ncreas to $8 Billion. I could not vote for this budget because my priorities were to create a robust Rainy Day Fund for emergencies while addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, maintaining our infrastructure a d schools, and keeping taxes dow . Unfortunately, we are n w experiencing ex ctly why Rainy Day Fund is necessary. The days ahead may be difficult, but I am repa ed to roll up my sleeves and work har with my col eagues across the aisle t get us through this. As yo r representative, I encourage you to take an active inter st in the events unfoldi g under the State House do e. You can monitor committee proceedings and floor debate in the House and Senate via the Web, http://legislature.maine.gov/, while my regular e-newsletter contains beneficial administrative insight and public service announcements. If you have not yet signed up to receive this publication, please send me your e-mail address. Again, the faith and trust you have plac d i me to serve you at the capitol is appreciated. I always njoy hearing from you and want to help you in any way I can. As Mainer , w are strong and will get through this together! Sincere y, Dear Friends & Neighbors: I write this on the eve of adjournment from my first term as a member of Maine’s House of Representatives. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratefulness to the good people of New Gloucester for allowing me to be your voice in Augusta. At the onset of the Legislature’s First Regular Session, my colleagues and I were optimistic about 2019, maintaining an open mind with a thoughtful and caring approach. Our state was positioned well economically, with record-low unemployment, record-high State revenues, and a record-high number of jobs. Now we face unprecedented uncertainty, not knowing how long we must deal with the crisis caused by Covid-19 or how great an impact it will have on our economy. Please know that your legislature is hard at work to make this as easy for you as possible. As I write this from the State House, we are preparing a bipartisan emergency supplemental budget that will keep government running while addressing the extraordinary challenges we are facing due to this pandemic. The unique privilege and responsibility of appointment to three committees was bestowed upon me. I was appointed to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA), the Committee on Taxation, and the bipartisan Government Oversight Committee (GOC). The GOC is unique in that it consists of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. It is charged with ensuring that public funds are expended for intended purposes, and that programs and activities are effectively, efficiently, and economically managed. In my assignment as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, I have enjoyed familiarizing myself with the State’s General Fund appropriations and fiscal policy. The adopted budget resulted in an 11% increase to $8 Billion. I could not vote for this budget because my priorities were to create a robust Rainy Day Fund for emergencies while addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, maintaining our infrastructure and schools, and keeping taxes down. Unfortunately, we are now experiencing exactly why a Rainy Day Fund is necessary. The days ahead may be difficult, but I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and work hard with my colleagues across the aisle to get us through this. As your representative, I encourage you to take an active interest in the events unfolding under the State House dome. You can monitor committee proceedings and floor debate in the House and Senate via the Web, http://legislature.maine.gov/, while my regular e-newsletter contains beneficial administrative insight and public service announcements. If you have not yet signed up to receive this publication, please send me your e-mail address. Again, the faith and trust you have placed in me to serve you at the capitol is appreciated. I always enjoy hearing from you and want to help you in any way I can. As Mainers, we are strong and will get through this together! Sincerely, Amy B. Arata, State Representative March 16, 2020

Amy B. Arata, State Representative Amy B. Arata, State Representative

District 65 New Gloucester and Poland (part)

9 District 65 New Gloucester and Poland (part) District 65 New Gloucester and Poland (part)

Dear Friends, ear Friends, Dear Friends,

As 2019 ends and 2020 begins, I am pleased to report that Congress made progress on a number of issues important to Maine families despite the polarization in our country. In a major win for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted, I was proud to co-lead the repeal of what is often referred to as the “Military Widow’s Tax,” an unfair offset of survivor benefits that has prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spouses—including more than 260 from Maine—from receiving the full benefits they deserve. The high cost of health care and prescription drugs continues to be a top issue for families and seniors. To provide continued relief for more lower- and middle-income individuals, I led the charge to extend for another two years the medical expense tax deduction that I included in the 2017 tax law. Without this extension, nearly 20,000 Mainers and millions of Americans with high medical expenses, including many with preexisting conditions, would have faced an increased tax burden. In other good news, the CREATES Act I cosponsored became law. It will prevent pharmaceutical companies from blocking access to a sufficient supply of brand-name drugs needed for the studies that allow less expensive alternatives to enter the marketplace. Improving people’s health and wellbeing remains my priority. On a per capita basis, Maine has the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. In August, I held a Senate hearing at the University of Maine’s Tick Lab on this growing public health crisis. A comprehensive public health strategy to combat this epidemic is needed, and the new law I authored will do just that. In addition, I helped champion another $2.6 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health, our nation’s premiere biomedical research institution, including significant boosts for Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes research. Last year, NIH funded more than $111 million for research at 14 Maine institutions. To help prepare the graduates of Maine Maritime Academy, I secured $300 million for a new training ship, which will ensure rigorous instruction for MMA students for decades to come. Significant federal funding was approved for work at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Funding appropriated by Congress will pay for three new destroyers, make a down payment on an additional ship, and finance infrastructure improvements at PNSY. As Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have led efforts to improve our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and ensure that Maine’s housing needs are addressed. For Maine’s roads, bridges, airports, and seaports, tens of millions in federal funding will help make urgently needed upgrades and improve safety. Funding will also support housing assistance to low-income families and seniors and aid communities in reducing homelessness among our youth. The Community Development Block Grant program will assist numerous towns and cities in our State. The Aging Committee I chair has continued its focus on financial security for our seniors. A new law I authored will make it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees. Our Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline fielded more than 1,200 calls this year. Congress passed a new law to crack down on robocallers who are often the perpetrators of these scams. And a new law I authored will expand the IRS’ Identity Protection PIN program nationwide to prevent identity theft tax refund fraud. At the end of 2019, I cast my 7,262nd consecutive vote. In the New Year, I will keep working to deliver bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing Maine and the nation. If ever I can be of assistance to you, please contact one of my state offices or visit my website at www.collins.senate.gov. May 2020 be a good year for you, your family, your community, and our state. Sincerely, As 2019 ends and 2020 begins, I am pleased to report that Congress made progress on a number of issues important to Maine families despite the polarization in our country. In a major win for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted, I was proud to co-lead the repeal of what is often referred to as the “Military Widow’s Tax,” an unfair offset of survivor benefits that has prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spouses—including more than 260 from Maine—from receiving the full benefits they deserve. The high cost of health care and prescription drugs continues to be a top issue for families and seniors. To provide continued relief for more lower- and middle-income individuals, I led the charge to extend for another two years the medical expense tax deduction that I included in the 2017 tax law. Without this extension, nearly 20,000 Mainers and millions of Americans with high medical expenses, including many with preexisting conditions, would have faced an increased tax burden. In other good news, the CREATES Act I cosponsored became law. It will prevent pharmaceutical companies from blocking access to a sufficient supply of brand-name drugs needed for the studies that allow less expensive alternatives to enter the marketplace. Improving people’s health and wellbeing remains my priority. On a per capita basis, Maine has the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. In August, I held a Senate hearing at the University of Maine’s Tick Lab on this growing public health crisis. A comprehensive public health strategy to combat this epidemic is needed, and the new law I authored will do just that. In addition, I helped champion another $2.6 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health, our nation’s premiere biomedical research institution, including significant boosts for Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes research. Last year, NIH funded more than $111 million for research at 14 Maine institutions. To help prepare the graduates of Maine Maritime Academy, I secured $300 million for a new training ship, which will ensure rigorous instruction for MMA students for decades to come. Significant federal funding was approved for work at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Funding appropriated by Congress will pay for three new destroyers, make a down payment on an additional ship, and finance infrastructure improvements at PNSY. As Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have led efforts to improve our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and ensure that Maine’s housing needs are addressed. For Maine’s roads, bridges, airports, and seaports, tens of millions in federal funding will help make urgently needed upgrades and improve safety. Funding will also support housing assistance to low-income families and seniors and aid communities in reducing homelessness among our youth. The Community Development Block Grant program will assist numerous towns and cities in our State. The Aging Committee I chair has continued its focus on financial security for our seniors. A new law I authored will make it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees. Our Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline fielded more than 1,200 calls this year. Congress passed a new law to crack down on robocallers who are often the perpetrators of these scams. And a new law I authored will expand the IRS’ Identity Protection PIN program nationwide to prevent identity theft tax refund fraud. At the end of 2019, I cast my 7,262nd consecutive vote. In the New Year, I will keep working to deliver bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing Maine and the nation. If ever I can be of assistance to you, please contact one of my state offices or visit my website at www.collins.senate.gov. May 2020 be a good year for you, your family, your community, and our state. Sincerely, s 2019 ends and 2020 begins, I am pleased to report that Congres made progres on a nu ber of is ues important to Maine families despite the polarization in our country. In a major win for surviving military and retire spouses to who we are deeply indebted, I was proud to co-lead the repeal of hat is often refer ed to as the “Military Widow’s Tax,” an unfair of set of survivor benefits that has prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spouses—including more than 260 from Maine fro receiving the ful benefits they deserve. The high cost of health care and prescription drugs continues to be a top issue for fa ilies and seniors. To provide continued relief for more lower- and middle-inco e individuals, I led the charge to extend for another two years the medical expense tax deduction that I included in the 2017 tax law. Without this extension, nearly 20,0 0 Mainers and mil ions of Americans with high medical expenses, including many with pre xisting conditions, would have faced an increased tax burden. In other go d news, the CRE TES Act I cosponsored became law. It will prevent pharmaceutical companies from blocking ac es to a sufficient sup ly of brand-name drugs needed for the studies that al ow less expensive alternatives to enter the marketplace. Improving people’s health and wel being remains my priority. On a per capita basis, Maine has the highest incidence of Ly e disease in the country. In August, I held a Senate hearing at the University of Maine’s Tick Lab on this growing public health crisis. A comprehensive public health strategy to combat this epidemic is ne ded, and the new la I authored wil do just that. In addition, I helped champion another $2.6 bil ion increase for the National Institutes of Health, our nation’s premiere bio edical research institution, including significant bo sts for Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes research. Last year, NIH funded more than $111 mil ion for research at 14 Maine institutions. To help prepare the graduates of Maine Maritime Academy, I secured $300 mil ion for a ne training ship, which wil ensure rigorous instruction for M A students for decades to come. Significant federal funding was approved for work at Bath Iron Works and Ports outh Naval Shipyard. Funding ap ropriated by Congres wil pay for three new destroyers, make a down payment on an additional ship, and finance infrastructure improvements at PNSY. As Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommit ee, I have led ef orts to improve our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and ensure that Maine’s housing ne ds are addres ed. For Maine’s roads, bridges, airports, and seaports, tens of mil ions in federal funding wil help make urgently needed upgrades and improve safety. Funding wil also sup ort housing as istance to lo -income families and seniors and aid co unities in reducing ho eles nes among our youth. The Co munity Development Block Grant program will as ist numerous towns and cities in our State. The Aging Commit ee I chair has continued its focus on financial security for our seniors. A ne la I authored wil make it easier for s al businesses to of er retirement plans to their employees. Our Aging Commit e ’s Fraud Hotline fielded more than 1,200 cal s this year. ongres pas ed a new law to crack down on robocal ers who are often the perpetrators of these sca s. And a new law I authored wil expand the IRS’ Identity Protection PIN program nationwide to prevent identity theft tax refund fraud. At the end of 2019, I cast my 7,262nd consecutive vote. In the New Year, I wil keep working to deliver bipartisan solutions to the chal enges facing Maine and the nation. If ever I can be of as istance to you, please contact one of my state of ices or visit my website at www.col ins.senate.gov. May 2020 be a go d year for you, your family, your community, and our state. Sincerely, As 2019 ends and 2020 begins, I am pleased to report that Congress made progress on a number of issues important to Maine families despite the polarization in our country. In a major win for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted, I was proud to co-lead the repeal of what is often referred to as the “Military Widow’s Tax,” an unfair offset of survivor benefits that has prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spouses—including more than 260 from Maine—from receiving the full benefits they deserve. The high cost of ealth care and prescription drugs continues to be a top issue for families and seniors. To provide continued relief for more lower- and middle-income individuals, I led the charge to extend for another two years the medical expense tax deduction that I included i the 2017 tax law. With t this extension, nearly 20,000 Mainers and millions of Americans with high medical expenses, including many with preexisting conditions, would have faced an ncre sed tax burden. In other good news, the CREATES Act I cosponsored b came law. It will prevent pharmaceutical companies from blocking access to a sufficient supply of brand-name drugs needed for the studies that allow less expensive alternatives to enter the marketplace. Improving people’s he lth an wellbeing remains my priority. On a per capita basis, Maine has the highest inc dence of Lyme isease i e country. In August, I held a Senate earing at th University of Maine’s Tick L b on th s gr wing public health crisis. A comprehensive public health strategy to combat this epidemic is needed, and the new law I autho ed will do just that. In addition, I helped champion another $2.6 billion increase for the National Institutes of He lth, our nation’s premi re biomedical research institution, including significant boosts for Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes research. Last year, NIH funded more than $111 illion for research at 14 Maine ins itutions. To help prepare the graduates of Maine Maritime Academy, I secured $300 million for a ne tr ining s ip, which will ensure rigorous instruction for MMA students for decades to come. Significant f deral fu ding was approved for work at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Funding appropriated by Congress will pay for three new destroyers, make a down payment on an additional ship, and finance infrastructure improvements at PNSY. As Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I have led efforts to improve our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and ensure that Maine’s housing needs are addressed. For Maine’s roads, bridges, airports, and seaports, tens of millions in federal funding will help m ke urgently needed upgrades and improve s fety. Funding will also supp rt housing assistance to low-income families and seniors and aid communities in reducing homelessness among our youth. The Com unity Development Block Grant program will assist numerous towns and cities in our State. The Aging Co mittee I chair has continued its focus on financial se urity for our seniors. A new law I authored will make it easier for small businesses to offe retirement plans to their employees. Our Aging Committee’s Frau Hotline fielded more th n 1,200 calls this year. Congress passed a new law to crack down on robocallers who are often the perpetrators of these cams. And a new law I authored will expand th IRS’ Identity Protection PIN progra natio wide to prev nt identity theft tax ref nd fraud. At the end of 2019, I cast my 7,262nd consecutive vote. In the New Year, I will keep working to deliver bipa tisan solutions to the challenges facing Maine and the nation. If ever I can be of assistance to you, please con act one of my stat offices or visit my website t www.collins.senate.gov. May 2020 be a good year for you, y ur family, your community, and our state. Sincerely, Susan M. Collins United States Senator Dear Friends, As 2019 ends and 2020 begins, I am pleased to report that Congress made progress on a number of issues important to Maine families despite the polarization in ou country. In a major win for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted, I was proud to co-lead the repeal of what is often referred to as the “Military Wido ’s Tax,” an unfair offset of survivor benefits that has prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spouses—including more than 260 from Maine—from receiving the full benefits they deserve. The high cost of health care and prescription drugs continues to be a top issue for families and seniors. To provide continued relief for more lower- and middle-income individuals, I led the charge to extend for another two years the medical expense tax deduction that I included in the 2017 tax law. Without this extension, nearly 20,000 Mainers and millions of Americans with high medical expenses, including many with preexisting conditions, would have faced an increased tax burden. In other good news, the CREATES A t I cosponsored became law. It will prevent pharmaceutical companies from blocking access to a sufficient supply of brand-name drug ne ded for the studies that allow less expensive alternatives to enter the marketplace. Improving people’s health and wellbeing remains my priority. On a per capita basis, Maine has the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. In August, I held a Senate hearing at the University of Maine’s Tick Lab on this growing public health crisis. A comprehensive public health strategy to combat this epidemic is needed, and the new law I authored will do just that. In addition, I helped champion another $2.6 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health, our nation’s premiere biomedical research institution, including significant boosts for Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes research. Last year, NIH funded more than $111 million for research at 14 Maine institutions. To help prepare the graduates of Maine Maritime Academy, I secured $300 million for a new training ship, which will ensure rigorous instruction for MMA students for decades to come. Significant fede l funding w s approved for work at Bath I on Works and Portsmouth Naval S ipyard. Funding appropriated by Congress will pay r three new destroyers, make a down payment on an additional ship, and finance infrastructure improvem ts at PNSY. As Cha rman of the Transportation and Housi g Appropriations Subcommittee, I have led efforts to improve our nation’s crumbl ng infrastructure and ensure that Maine’s housing needs are addressed. For Maine’s roads, bridges, airports, and seaports, tens of millions in federal funding will help make urgently needed upgrades and improve safety. Funding will also support housing assi ta ce to low-income families and seniors and aid communities in reduci g homeles ness among our youth. The Community Development Block Grant program will assist numerous towns and cities i our State. The Aging Committ e I chair has continued its focus on financial security for our senior . A new law I authored will make it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees. Our Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline fielded more than 1,200 call thi y ar. Congress pa sed new law to crac down on robocaller ho are o ten th perpetrator of these scams. A d a new law I authored will expand the IRS’Identity Pr tecti n PIN program nationwide to prevent identity theft tax refund fr ud. At the end of 2019, I cast my 7,262nd consecutive vote. In th New Year, I will keep working to deliver bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing Maine and the nation. If ever I can be of assistance to you, please contact one of my state offices or visit my website at www.collins.senate.gov. May 2020 be a go d year f r you, your family, your community, a d our state. Dear Friends,

Susan M. Collins United States Senator Susan M. Col ins nited States Senator

Susan M. Collins United States Senator

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STATE OF MAINE O FFICE OF THE G OVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001

STATE OF MAINE O FFICE OF THE G OVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001 STATE OF MAINE O FFICE OF THE G OVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001 STATE OF MAINE O FFIC E OF THE G OVERNOR 1 STATE H USE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001

PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) 888-577-6690 (TTY) www.maine.gov e will also develop a world- lass workforce st rting with Pre-K for every 4-year- ld in aine d more post-high school options that result in a valued credential. Attracting talented young ople to move here and make Maine their home will be top priorities of my Administration. aine communities, especially rur l communities, are confronting a severe workforce shortage d an aging and declining population. It is time for bold, dynamic ideas that will change Maine the better. That is w y I, along with e le ranging from small business owners, innovators d entrepreneurs, to economists and every day, hard-working Mainers, developed an economic n designed to make it easier for small businesses to grow, for people to come and stay, and for aine to thrive. welcome your ideas. We are all in this together. We all want Maine to have a beautiful vironment, happy people, and prosperous communities ank you, FAX: (207) 287-1034 www.maine.gov Dear Friends: It was the highest honor of my life to take the oath of office to become Maine’s 75th governor. Over the next four years, I will do everything in my power to make Maine the safe, beautiful, prosperous state we all want for our children and grandchildren. That is why on my first day in office I directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to implement Medicaid expansion as quickly and efficiently as possible. My Administration will ensure that it is paid for sustainably; that the cost of health insurance is controlled; and that the cost of prescription drugs is reined in. In addition to creating a Director of Opiate Response to marshal the collective power and resources of state government to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic, we will make Narcan widely available, increase access to medication assisted treatment and recovery coaches, and expand drug courts. We also need a healthy environment. My Administration will embrace clean energy; change our modes of transportation; weatherize homes and businesses; and reach a goal of 50 percent of our energy coming from Maine renewable resources. By reducing the impacts of climate change, we will create good-paying jobs, preserve our environment, and protect our state’s farming, fishing, and forestry industries. We will also develop a world-class workforce starting with Pre-K for every 4-year-old in Maine and more post-high school options that result in a valued credential. Attracting talented young people to move here and make Maine their home will be top priorities of my Administration. Maine communities, especially rural communities, are confronting a severe workforce shortage and an aging and declining population. It is time for bold, dynamic ideas that will change Maine for the better. That is why I, along with people ranging from small business owners, innovators and entrepreneurs, to economists and every day, hard-working Mainers, developed an economic plan designed to make it easier for small businesses to grow, for people to come and stay, and for Maine to thrive. I welcome your ideas. We are all in this together. We all want Maine to have a beautiful environment, happy people, and prosperous communities Thank you, Dear Friends: It was the highest honor of my life to take the oath of office to become Maine’s 75th governor. Over the next four years, I will do everything in my power to make Maine the safe, beautiful, prosperous state we all want for our children and grandchildren. That is why on my first day in office I directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Serv ces to implement Medicaid xpansion as quickly and efficiently as possible. My Adminis ration will ensure that it is paid for sustainably; that the cost of health insurance is controlled; and that the cost of prescription drugs is reined in. In addition to creating a Director of Opiate Response to marshal the collective power and resources of stat government to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic, we will make Narcan widely available, increase access to medication assisted treatment and recovery coaches, and expand drug courts. We also need a healthy environment. My Administration will embrace clean energy; change our modes of transportation; weatherize homes and businesses; and reach a goal of 50 percent of our energy coming from Maine renewable resources. By reducing the impacts of climate change, we will create good-paying jobs, preserve our environment, and protect our state’s farming, fishing, and forestry industries. ill also develop a world-class workforce starting with Pre-K fo every 4-year-old in Maine re post-high sch ol options that result in a valued credential. Attracting talented young pl to move here and make Maine their home will be top priorities of my Administration. aine communities, especially rural communities, are c fronting a severe workforce shortage and an aging and declining population. It is time for bold, dynamic ideas that will change Maine for the better. That is why I, along with people ranging from small business owners, innovators and entrepreneurs, to economists and every day, hard-working Mainers, developed an economic plan designed to make it easier for small businesses to grow, for people to come and stay, and for Maine to thrive. I welcome your ideas. We are all in this together. We all want Maine to have a beautiful environment, happy people, and prosperous communities Thank you, ear Friends: It was the highest honor of my life to take the oath of office to become Maine’s 75th governor. Over the next four years, I will do everything in my power to make Maine the safe, beautiful, prosperous state we all want for our children and grandchildren. That is why on my first day in office I directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to implement Medicaid expansion as quickly and efficiently as possible. My Administration will ensure that it is paid for sustainably; that the cost of health insurance is controlled; and that the cost of prescription drugs is reined in. In addition to creating a Director of Opiat Response to marshal the collective power and resources of state government to stem the tide of th opioid epidemic, we will make Narcan widely available, increase acc ss to medicati n assisted treatment and recovery coaches, and expand drug courts. We also need a healthy environment. My Administration will embrace clean energy; change our modes of transportation; weatherize homes and businesses; and reach a goal of 50 percent of our energy coming from Maine renewable resources. By reducing the impacts of climate change, we will create good-paying jobs, preserve our environment, and protect our state’s farming, fishing, and forestry industries. We will also develop a world-class workforce starting with Pre-K for every 4-year-old in Maine and more post-high school options that result in a valued credential. Attracting talented young people to move here and make Maine their home will be top priorities of my Administration. Maine communities, especially rural communities, are confronting a severe workforce shortage and an aging and declining population. It is time for bold, dynamic ideas that will change Maine for th better. That i why I, along with people ranging f om small business owners, innovators and entrepreneurs, to economists and every day, hard-working Mainers, developed an economic plan d sign d to make it easier f r small businesses to grow, for peop e to come and stay, and for Maine to thrive. I welcome your ideas. We are all in this together. We all want Maine to have a beautiful environment, happy people, and prosperous communities Thank you, ar Friends: was the highest honor of my life to take the oath of office to b come Maine’s 75th governor. er the next four years, I wi l do everything i my power to make Maine the safe, beautiful, osperous state we all want for our children and grandchildren. at is why on my first day i office I directed the Maine Department of Health and Human rvices to implem nt Medicaid exp nsion as quickly a efficiently as poss ble. My ministration will ensur that it is paid for sustainably; that the cost of health insurance is ntrolled; and that the cost of prescription drugs is reined in. In addition to creating a Director Opiate Response to marshal the collective power and resources of state government to stem tide of the opioid epide ic, we will make Narcan wi ely avail ble, i crease access to dication assist d treatment and recovery coaches, and expand drug courts. e also need a heal hy envi onment. My Administration will embrace clean energy; change our des of transportation; weat erize homes and businesses; and reach goal of 50 percent of our ergy coming from Maine re ewable resources. By reducing the impacts of clima e change, we l create good-paying jobs, preserve our environment, and protect our state’s farming, fishing, d forestry industries. Janet T. Mills Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Janet T. Mills Governor PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) 888-577-6690 (TTY) FAX: (207) 287-1034 PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) 888-577-6690 (TTY) FAX: (207) 287-1034

www.maine.gov

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net T. Mills vernor